Who originally wrote Gallows Pole?

Page adapted the song from a version by American folk musician Fred Gerlach, which is included on his 1962 album Twelve-String Guitar for Folkways Records.



Led Zeppelin version.

“Gallows Pole”
Songwriter(s) Traditional, arr. by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
Producer(s) Jimmy Page

Did Leadbelly wrote Gallows Pole?

Songfacts®: This is based on an old blues song called “Gallis Pole,” which was popularized by Leadbelly. The song is considered “traditional,” meaning the author is unknown. Jimmy Page got the idea after hearing the version by the California folk singer Fred Gerlach.

Why is it called Gallows Pole?

The term “gallows” was derived from a Proto-Germanic word galgô that refers to a “pole”, “rod” or “tree branch”. With the beginning of Christianization, Ulfilas used the term galga in his Gothic Testament to refer to the cross of Christ, until the use of the Latin term (crux = cross) prevailed.

Did Led Zeppelin ever play Gallows Pole Live?

Hear Led Zeppelin deliver a rare performance of Gallows Pole amid their chaotic 1971 Vancouver show.

What is Lead Belly’s most famous song?

Lead Belly died penniless, but within six months his song “Goodnight, Irene” became a million-record hit for the singing group the Weavers; along with other pieces from his repertoire, among them “The Midnight Special” and “Rock Island Line,” it became a standard.

Is the gallows pole a true story?

Based on the novel of the same name by Benjamin Myers, The Gallows Pole fictionalises the remarkable true story of the biggest fraud in British history, conducted by the enigmatic David Hartley and the Cragg Vale Coiners in 18th century Yorkshire.

When was the word gallows first used?

1300, plural of Middle English galwe “gallows” (mid-13c.), from Old Norse galgi “gallows,” or from Old English galga (Mercian), gealga (West Saxon) “gallows;” all from Proto-Germanic *galgon “pole” (source also of Old Frisian galga, Old Saxon galgo, Middle High German galge “gallows, cross,” German Galgen “gallows,”

What’s the difference between gallows and gibbet?

A gallows is a means of execution by hanging. A gibbet is a similar device used for displaying to corpse after death. Usually the corpse would be placed in a cage.

How many steps are in the gallows?

Three Steps to the Gallows.

Who wrote Gallows Pole by Led Zeppelin?

“The Maid Freed from the Gallows” is one of many titles of a centuries-old folk song about a condemned maiden pleading for someone to buy her freedom from the executioner.



Led Zeppelin version.

“Gallows Pole”
Songwriter(s) Traditional, arr. by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
Producer(s) Jimmy Page

What famous songs did Lead Belly write?



Original songs

Title Written by Original date
Good Morning Blues Leadbelly, Alan Lomax June 15, 1940
Goodnight Irene Leadbelly, John Lomax July 16, 1933
Grasshoppers in My Pillow Leadbelly October 1947
Jean Harlow Leadbelly 1962

Did Lead Belly write his own songs?

Lead Belly wrote dozens of songs, but a lot of the material that he first recorded were acquired from hearing them first sung in the fields or in prison, where he served two stints.